Purpose Bone injuries resulting from trauma, disease, aging, or congenital conditions are increasingly common, particularly when the extent of damage exceeds the body’s natural healing capacity. Although autografts—bone harvested from the patient’s own body—remain the clinical gold standard for repair, they are limited by donor-site morbidity, the need for secondary surgery, and postoperative complications. Consequently, there is growing interest in demineralized bone matrix (DBM), a processed form of allogeneic bone that preserves essential proteins and growth factors to support bone regeneration. This review explores the potential of DBM, particularly in hydrogel-based formulations, as a practical and minimally invasive strategy for bone repair. Methods Recent literature was systematically reviewed with an emphasis on DBM composition, processing techniques, biological mechanisms, and translational applications. Special attention was given to how converting DBM into a hydrogel format enhances its clinical usability and biological performance, as well as how donor variability and processing methods influence product consistency and efficacy. Results Findings from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that DBM-derived hydrogels exhibit excellent handling properties, promote osteogenesis, and provide sustained release of osteoinductive factors. Nonetheless, significant variability persists due to differences in donor tissue, demineralization protocols, and manufacturing techniques. While preclinical data are encouraging, robust clinical evidence from human trials remains limited. Conclusion Hydrogel-based DBM represents a promising alternative to traditional bone grafts, combining ease of application with strong regenerative potential. However, its successful clinical translation will depend on the development of standardized processing protocols, quality control measures, and well-designed clinical trials to ensure safety, reproducibility, and therapeutic effectiveness. Lay Summary Bone injuries caused by accidents, illness, aging, or birth conditions are becoming more common, especially when the damage is too severe for the body to heal on its own. Doctors often repair these injuries using bone taken from the patient’s own body (called an autograft), but this method can cause pain, complications, and the need for an additional surgery. Because of these limitations, researchers are exploring other options.One promising alternative is demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM comes from donated human bone that has been specially processed to remove minerals while keeping natural proteins and growth factors that help new bone form. Scientists are now developing DBM in the form of a soft, gel-like material called a hydrogel. This form can be injected or shaped easily to fit damaged areas, making treatment less invasive and easier for surgeons to use.Research studies in laboratories and animals show that DBM hydrogels are easy to handle, support bone growth, and slowly release helpful biological signals that encourage healing. However, the effectiveness of DBM products can vary depending on the donor bone and how the material is processed. So far, most evidence comes from early-stage research, and more clinical studies in people are needed to confirm safety and long-term benefits.Overall, DBM hydrogels could become a useful and less invasive option for bone repair in the future. To make this possible, scientists and manufacturers need better standardization and quality control, along with well-designed clinical trials to ensure consistent and reliable results.

Bone Tissue Engineering with Hydrogels Derived from Demineralized Bone Matrix

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年2月12日

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Fatemeh Ashrafi,
Asrin Emami

摘要

Purpose

Bone injuries resulting from trauma, disease, aging, or congenital conditions are increasingly common, particularly when the extent of damage exceeds the body’s natural healing capacity. Although autografts—bone harvested from the patient’s own body—remain the clinical gold standard for repair, they are limited by donor-site morbidity, the need for secondary surgery, and postoperative complications. Consequently, there is growing interest in demineralized bone matrix (DBM), a processed form of allogeneic bone that preserves essential proteins and growth factors to support bone regeneration. This review explores the potential of DBM, particularly in hydrogel-based formulations, as a practical and minimally invasive strategy for bone repair.

Methods

Recent literature was systematically reviewed with an emphasis on DBM composition, processing techniques, biological mechanisms, and translational applications. Special attention was given to how converting DBM into a hydrogel format enhances its clinical usability and biological performance, as well as how donor variability and processing methods influence product consistency and efficacy.

Results

Findings from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that DBM-derived hydrogels exhibit excellent handling properties, promote osteogenesis, and provide sustained release of osteoinductive factors. Nonetheless, significant variability persists due to differences in donor tissue, demineralization protocols, and manufacturing techniques. While preclinical data are encouraging, robust clinical evidence from human trials remains limited.

Conclusion

Hydrogel-based DBM represents a promising alternative to traditional bone grafts, combining ease of application with strong regenerative potential. However, its successful clinical translation will depend on the development of standardized processing protocols, quality control measures, and well-designed clinical trials to ensure safety, reproducibility, and therapeutic effectiveness.

Lay Summary

Bone injuries caused by accidents, illness, aging, or birth conditions are becoming more common, especially when the damage is too severe for the body to heal on its own. Doctors often repair these injuries using bone taken from the patient’s own body (called an autograft), but this method can cause pain, complications, and the need for an additional surgery. Because of these limitations, researchers are exploring other options.One promising alternative is demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM comes from donated human bone that has been specially processed to remove minerals while keeping natural proteins and growth factors that help new bone form. Scientists are now developing DBM in the form of a soft, gel-like material called a hydrogel. This form can be injected or shaped easily to fit damaged areas, making treatment less invasive and easier for surgeons to use.Research studies in laboratories and animals show that DBM hydrogels are easy to handle, support bone growth, and slowly release helpful biological signals that encourage healing. However, the effectiveness of DBM products can vary depending on the donor bone and how the material is processed. So far, most evidence comes from early-stage research, and more clinical studies in people are needed to confirm safety and long-term benefits.Overall, DBM hydrogels could become a useful and less invasive option for bone repair in the future. To make this possible, scientists and manufacturers need better standardization and quality control, along with well-designed clinical trials to ensure consistent and reliable results.